Photo Dump

Totally Random...

 

First walk of the New Year...we made a few stops along the way.  All you can see of Harrison is the top of his little hat.

 

 

Taking her wagon for a walk.  She has to put some muscle into it!

 

 

 

Showing off her new outfit...pants are too long, but it's still cute!

 

 

 

I was craving a burger so we hit up RR.  Funny thing is I ended up getting chicken strips. 

 

 

Pretending to be a dog.

 

Helping me take pics of new running gear. 

 



5 Miles of Therapy

5 Mile Drive was just what I needed this morning!

It's one of those runs that I hate thinking about, but once I'm up that first hill I'm good to go. 

We ran it the opposite direction and I must say that is my preference!  It was nice to run with a strong group of ladies, we have different paces, but are good at pushing each other up those hills!  Not thinking about anything other than how to get up each hill without slowing down too much was kinda nice.  

That's the great thing about running...you don't have to say a word about what is bothering you to feel better about it.  Love finishing a run and feeling physically worn out yet mentally refreshed.  

4.86 miles (it's not actually 5 miles, I have been told that there is an actual start and finish spot that makes it 5 even, but I have yet to find such a spot and none of the other runners I know have found it either) of hills with a 10:01 pace...feel good about that!  48 ish minutes...fastest I have run 5 Mile Drive!   

Thankful to not be doing much the rest of the day other than cooking, hanging with Sky and Mark and watching football.  Nice day for some down time! 



Sky lounging in her chair while I lounge on the couch and Daddy was lounging in his chair, all watching the first game.  She has decided that playing the drum with her feet is much better than with the drum sticks.  Creative little thing!   

Blah

I'm going to try and keep this short because I don't believe in wallowing in grief and misery, and I don't want to bring readers down with me either. 

That's how I feel today.  I'm not sick or anything, it's a mental and emotional thing.  Feel really out of sorts, frustrated, angry, sad, worried, not sure if I want to curl up in bed, punch something, run until I drop...I just don't know how to sort myself out right now.   

I found out yesterday that Grandpa's malignant melanoma has spread through his body, and he will be traveling to Seattle for emergency surgery and treatment.

Sometimes I think knowing too much is just as bad as not knowing enough.  While I love my volunteer work with the ACS the last 17 years it also means I know more than I want to at this very moment. 

You know what stresses me out the most, it's not the cancer itself, its all the side effects.  From the obvious challenges like being sick from chemo to the less obvious like navigating the healthcare system and dealing with insurance. 

Add in the fact that Grandpa already has a newly diagnosed serious medical condition (not related to cancer) that is causing him significant discomfort and now this...it's just seems like too much.   

It's hitting my Dad pretty hard, and that makes me feel bad too, knowing how worried he is. 

While I feel like I just want everything to stop so I can take a moment, the fact is life moves on, and there are still errands to run, dinners to cook, and a little girl that counts on her mommy for her happiness.  Daddy too, but lets face it, she is stuck with me most days.  So, I have got to hold it together and not let my out of sorts'ness get to her.

So this is not a total downer post...

She is just always so happy and has so much fun!

 

 

I'm hoping that 5 mile drive in the morning will help me run some of my issues out. 

 

 



 



 

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful to have a slow easy day home with Sky.  The last 5 to 6 weeks have been so busy.  Good busy, but busy, with lot's of go, go, going. 

Today, we lounged around having breakfast, watched some of the Today show, something I haven't done since the school shooting, did P90X Yoga with zero help from Sky! 

Her idea of helping was waiting until I was balanced in a pose and then walking up and head butting me over and over until I fell over.  She also thought it was great fun to sit on my back as I pushed up into plank and then slide down my butt and legs as I pushed from there into downward facing dog.

Then she rested in her crib with books, but didn't sleep, while I took a quick shower, we had lunch, played outside with the dogs and finally at 2 she was sort of ready for a nap.  Have a bit of nap time now to blog and get the dishes done and start dinner.  I want to be read to go for the Duck's game tonight! 

I don't get many days anymore that are just her and I hanging out having fun with each other in pj's at home, so I'm really thankful when it does happen.

  

Cold and Sunny...

...is the perfect running weather for me!  My first run of 2013 today was really good.  Yeah, it was slow, but it was with strollers, it was the first run after NYE fun, and it was really cold.  But, the best part was the company!  And, I felt great.  I love runs when there is no pain of any kind and you feel like you could go on forever...that's how it felt to run today, and it made me happy, really happy!

My outfit today...

I was test running a new top!  Everything else is tried and true!  It's a Title Nine top and I love it!  It's warm, colorful, has cute details, and didn't slide up while running.  LOVE IT!  Thank you Dad for the top and for turning me on to Title Nine! 

 

Cute rushing on the sleeves and sides.  There are also gel pockets on the sides of the shirt, hidden by the rushing. 

 

 

After running we came home for nap time and then Sky spent a few hours at the parents house.  I got to put some of my Christmas money to non-running use and found exactly what I needed!  No pics, because I'm comfy on the couch and too lazy to go take the pics.  But, I needed to replace a pair of non-running athletic shoes and needed some casual, non-jean's pants for every day wear.  I had a pair of green converse pants that I loved, and wore way too much, but got bleach on them when I was cleaning, so had to replace them.  Also needed a new wallet since mine was coming unstitched and falling apart.  

While Ross had virtually empty racks and shelves, what they did have was on clearance and I found everything I needed for really great prices!  Bonus was new PJ's on clearance!  Sometimes I love bargain shopping and hunting for that great deal, and today was one of those days. 

So far sticking to my goal of Sky being at the parents = me time is working great! 

It's not all about me though.  Look how cute Sky is in the new Carhartt overalls that Mark got her.  She is so ready to finish the bathroom for him!  ;)

 

She loves her Magna Doodle as well.  That thing is great...I don't need to supervise and it keeps her busy for a long time!  Thank you Alex and Tina!

Welcome 2013

We wish you a Healthy, Happy, Adventure filled 2013! 

We had a few peeps and kiddos over for a PJ NYE party last night.  Played board games, watched movies, and the kiddos were kind enough to all sleep in this morning!  BONUS!!!  Was not expecting that to happen. 

Michelle and I decided that play time at the park was in order, and what a beautiful day for park time.  It was/is COLD, but clear and sunny, so it was nice to get out and enjoy some fresh air!

There are party pics, but I have yet to take a look...kinda scared truth be told...so here are some play pics instead.   

 

Grace, Kiera, Sky...playing at the school playground 2 seconds from our house. 

 

Kiera was proud of herself for pumping her legs.

 

 

I love this pic...all hat.

 

 

The toys were slick...she was pretty proud of herself for getting up and down by herself and not falling. 

 

 

Thirteen years ago today my biggest adventure in life started.  Let's just say I was not in the best shape to be meeting my future husband 1/1/00, (I did not pace my drinking very well that NYE) but somehow I managed to make a good enough impression, and 13 years later the adventure is still exciting and fulfilling.   

 

Life is good, and I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store for us!